The U.S. Under-23 men’s national team ended its October window on a high note Tuesday after claiming a second-consecutive victory.
Johan Gomez, Paxten Aaronson, Aidan Morris and Duncan McGuire all found the back of the net in Phoenix as the USMNT U-23’s defeated Japan 4-1. It marked the latest positive result for the USMNT U-23’s, who continue their preparation for next summer’s Paris Olympics.
Marko Mitrovic’s squad raced out to an early lead as Aaronson set up Gomez for the opening goal after just five minutes. Aaronson’s pass on the left side of Japan’s box was slotted home by Gomez for a 1-0 advantage.
Despite conceding an equalizer later in the half, the Americans took a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.
Brandan Craig’s over-the-top ball freed Bernard Kamungo in the 45th minute down the right wing. Kamungo’s eventual pass was tapped home by Aaronson to give the USMNT U-23’s a lead they would not relinquish.
Aidan Morris extended the U-23’s lead to 3-1 in the 57th minute after being left unmarked in the Japan box. Bryan Reynolds played a through ball pass to Morris before the Columbus Crew midfielder rifled a shot into the bottom-left corner.
https://x.com/USYNT/status/1714489463978565990?s=20
Duncan McGuire’s toe-poke finish in the 73rd minute capped the final score at 4-1 after the substitute got onto the end of a free kick. McGuire needed only two minutes to make an impact off the bench.
https://x.com/USYNT/status/1714493643204035037?s=20
The Americans hung on for a comfortable victory, giving Mitrovic his second victory in a row as head coach.
There were so many Japanese fans tuning in that I saw viewership top 14k and its sittin on 160, 000 views last I checked. I couldn’t say Arigato enough!! Last night, was the 1st time, I wished I could read Japanese symbols. It’s important coverage for those players and program. US U23/ Olympic age group has always been treated like abused children, ( inconsequential). No human is! US won, most important.
I saw a Japanese language link on YouTube too, but maybe it was just a phishing channel.
I guess we see why US Soccer didn’t worry about streaming the first match. They got way more people talking when about the U23s when it wasn’t available than when it was.
The reason I was whining about last game was because there was ZERO coverage of it. Even the US Soccer website didn’t post the starting line-up let alone stream it. ESPN didn’t even have it on their schedule or post it on their scoreboard. I just wanted a box score.
Yeah I know but last night they stream it and no one is talking about it. I do realize not everyone is a sicko like me and switched over from Ghana to the U23s. Should still be available on YouTube for those interested.
Here’s a novel thought- schedule it, promote it, then stream it. Even the full USMNT, you can actively hunt for a match and still have no clue where to watch it.
US was really outplayed for the first half. Capitalized and a bad mistake in the 5th minute. Then Japan bossed the US until they tired. Great sequence leading to the goal at the end of the half, 17 passes. Both teams looked exhausted to start 2nd half, once Morris struck the third Japan, lost their fight. Very little flow last 25-30 with lots of subs on both sides. US could have had a couple more. Busio in on goal and keeper took it off his foot. McGuire nearly chipped the keeper from midfield. McGlynn is probably the best set piece taker at any level.
And what of Duncan’s backflip celebration?
JR
“Both teams looked exhausted to start 2nd half, once Morris struck the third Japan, lost their fight. ”
Have you ever been to Phoenix in October? Even though the game was at night ,game time temperature was 88 degrees, not ideal for that up tempo Japanese style.
In those conditions, you have to be able to stand on the ball every once in awhile and give your guys a break.